Epigrammatic
hardPositive toneep-ih-gruh-MAT-ik
adjective
Definition
Concise, clever, and memorable in expression
Memory hook
EPI-GRAM-MATIC: fits in a GRAM (tiny weight) — concise, witty, and cleverly phrased.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Oscar Wilde was famous for his epigrammatic wit.”
“Her epigrammatic style made even complex ideas accessible.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Oscar Wilde was famous for his ______ wit.”
Show answer
epigrammatic
Categories
GRE Tip
Epigrammatic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "pithy" or "aphoristic" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "verbose".
Related GRE Words
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
laconic
Using very few words; concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly and in few words; brief but comprehensive
terse
Sparing in the use of words; abrupt
compendious
Containing a lot of information in a concise form; comprehensive yet brief
taciturn
Reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little
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